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We are pleased to announce the launch of our Early Career Science Teacher (ECT) Program. This two-year program is specifically designed for secondary science teachers (grades 6–12) who have already completed 2–3 full years of classroom teaching and are seeking ways to deepen their expertise in phenomenon-based teaching, pedagogical practices, student engagement, and classroom equity. We recognize that this is a critical point in teachers’ careers, when teachers are poised to embody their visions of excellent classroom practice, but state and site-funded support often wanes. We are seeking teachers who believe in and are committed to science learning for all students.
As participants in our ECT program, teachers:
Our 2023 application period is now closed. Stay tuned for updates and future opportunities.
We invite middle and high school science teachers who are currently in their second or third full year in the classroom in the San Francisco Bay Area to apply to this inquiry-based and content-rich professional development program. Since 1998, we have supported more than 500 early career science teachers during their first years in the classroom. The vast majority of these teachers have chosen to stay in this field, and many of them are now leaders in their schools and districts.
The Teacher Institute is committed to building and supporting a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. Educators of color and educators working in public schools, especially Title I schools, are encouraged to apply.
The Early Career Science Teacher Program Is part of the Exploratorium’s Teacher Institute. Founded in 1984 by a group of physics teachers and museum scientists, the Teacher Institute has provided thousands of secondary science teachers professional development through our Summer Institutes, Saturday workshops, conferences, and other teaching and learning programs.
The Teacher Institute's mission is to create and support a collaborative community of teachers, at all levels of their careers, through professional development that joyfully emphasizes the teaching and learning of science as a process for understanding the world around us.
We believe that:
The Teacher Institute is committed to building and supporting a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. We are committed to prioritizing teachers of color and teachers who work with students from underserved communities.
Please email teacherinstitute@exploratorium.edu if you have any questions.